The month of January marks the annual observance of School Board Recognition Month. It is designated as a time to salute the work of our school board members and celebrate public education. The theme, “School Boards LeadStrong,” reflects our combined commitment to leadership and accountability assuring that ALL children succeed.

It’s an exciting and challenging time in public education. School board members in Blissfield develop policies and make tough decisions that help shape the future of our education system. They bear responsibility for an annual budget in excess of $10 million, 1,240 students, nearly 200 employees and three school buildings. They are citizens whose decisions affect our children and build our communities.

Our board of education, like hundreds across the state, preserves the core of our democracy-public education. They ensure that decisions on school programming are made by people elected to represent our community’s values, culture and circumstances.

Showing appreciation for the important work of school boards should be a year-round process, but too often we neglect to recognize the dedication and hard work of the individuals who represent us. This January, the staff and students of Blissfield Schools ask our community members to take a moment and thank a school board member for their vision and voice in preparing today’s students to become tomorrow’s leaders.

I invite you to join us in celebrating the work of your school trustees by attending our board of education meeting on Jan. 21 to express your appreciation for their years of dedicated service to the students of Blissfield Community Schools: Scott Abbott, third year; Bob Beckey, second year; David Brewer, second year; Bruce Carter, first year; Noel Eisenmann, seventh year; Vicky Lombard, fourth year; Brian McEwan, fifth year.

Sincerely,

Scott D. Moellenberndt

Superintendent

Thanks to Hibernians for $2,000 donation

To the editor,

Sincere thanks to the Men and Women of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, St. Patrick’s Division, for their ongoing and generous support of the Food Pantry at St. Mary’s of Good Counsel Church.

The Food Pantry is honored to have received $2,000 in proceeds from the Hibernians’ “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Dinner.” This donation will directly aid the 500 to 600 individuals who request food assistance from the pantry each month.